TMC navigates age debate, public image to prepare Lok Sabha candidate list

TMC's candidate selection for Lok Sabha polls prioritizes winnability, public image, and internal debate over experienced leaders versus younger generation.

The TMC's candidate selection for the upcoming Lok Sabha polls is expected to prioritise the nominee's winnability, public image and sitting MPs' performance, while also reflecting the internal debate on whether experienced leaders should make way for the younger generation.

According to TMC sources, the party is likely to retain its sitting MPs for Ghatal, Asansol and Krishnanagar seats.

While actor Dev (Deepak Adhikari) is the incumbent MP of Ghatal, Shatrughan Sinha and Mahua Moitra (recently expelled from the Lok Sabha over a cash-for-query imbroglio) are parliamentarians from Asansol and Krishnanagar respectively.

Also Read | Lok Sabha polls | As TMC decides to go solo, INDIA bloc partners eye minority votes 

Significant changes are also planned for nine previously won seats and almost all the 18 constituencies that the party failed to win in 2019.

In 2019, the TMC had won 22 seats whereas the BJP had secured 18 seats.

The ongoing debate within the TMC between the old guard and the new generation is also likely to play a significant role in candidate selection, alongside concerns over the performance of some MPs.